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This article was published on May 24, 2016

Watch out for ads disguised as pins on Google Maps searches


Watch out for ads disguised as pins on Google Maps searches
Natt Garun
Story by

Natt Garun

US Editor

Natt Garun is the former US Editor at The Next Web, managing the North American team on content, events, features and reviews coverage. She Natt Garun is the former US Editor at The Next Web, managing the North American team on content, events, features and reviews coverage. She previously wrote for Digital Trends, Business Insider, and Gizmodo. Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Get ready for even more ads on the next time you use Google. The company today announced that it will launch local search ads so you can see pinpoints on both Google.com and Google Maps for nearby businesses.

For example, you might be on a road trip and decide to take a lunch break. A search for “drugstore” might feature a purple, promoted business listing followed by other relevant hits in red pins. The feature will work on both desktop and mobile versions of Maps.

google maps promoted

Google says customers can also check the promoted listing for offers or browse through the business’s current inventory before making a stop in. So the next time you search for lunch and Google hits you with McDonald’s, you can thank the advertising lords for enticing you into those deliciously unhealthy Big Macs.

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